Government ‘responsible’ for Harrismith murders

Johannesburg - The government is partly responsible for the murder of a cleric and his daughter's fiance in Harrismith, in the Free State, the Freedom Front Plus said on Friday.

“These murders and many similar murders point a finger at a government that has lost its ability to ensure maximum safety for its citizens,” FFPlus Free State leader Abrie Oosthuizen said in a statement.

“In effect, government is also partly responsible for murders of this nature.”

The 60-year-old cleric was in the living room of his home with his wife, their son, and their daughter's fiance when three intruders entered on Thursday night, said Sergeant Mmako Mophiring.

The 25-year-old fiance was shot in the head and died at the scene. The reverend was wounded and was taken to hospital where he died on Friday morning.

A man covered in blood was later arrested by the police when they found him walking along the N3 highway.

He was found to be in possession of five cellphones and a firearm. One of the cellphones belonged to a member of the clergyman's family.

Oosthuizen said international organisations such as the United Nations had to take note of the “unacceptable situation” in South Africa.

“This situation in South Africa now needs international intervention. Even sanctions against the country may be justified to make the South African government accountable.”

He said an “overtaxed” country like South Africa could afford better security for its people. - Sapa